Baking soda is the secret kitchen staple that kills patio weeds easily — I asked the experts about how long it takes to work and what the limitations are

Baking soda proves to be an effective and budget-friendly solution for tackling weeds in hard-to-reach areas, such as patio cracks and gaps between pavers. This natural bioherbicide works by dehydrating young weeds, causing visible damage within 24-48 hours, although results can vary based on factors like weed size, type, weather conditions, and contact.

Kathleen Hallal, VP of Landcare and Municipalities at FireHawk Bioherbicide, explains that baking soda should be used cautiously to avoid harming surrounding plants and soil. Once the weed has died, it's recommended to remove the dead plant material to maintain a tidy appearance, especially since baking soda is not as effective against deep taproots found in larger weeds.

Paul Parker, plants and bulbs specialist at J. Parker’s, emphasizes the importance of careful application, advising that one should remove the dead plant material after a few days and handle perennial weeds with extra care. While baking soda can be an effective spot treatment for small weeds, it's crucial to use it sparingly, as excessive sodium can negatively impact soil quality over time.